Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-31 i Sunday Independent

Two years into a BCom Accounting degree at the University of KwaZulu- Natal, Sashyn Moodley felt his life wasn’t on the right track and dropped out. “I realised that it wasn’t for me and chose to leave university,” he said. That decision would unknowingly change his life and eventually send him to the Shoprite Group’s Home Office in Cape Town. His parents, Shan and Sharon Moodley, were disappointed when he left university in 2008, but still supported his decision. Back home in Tongaat, Sashyn came across a 12-month Retail Apprenticeship Programme offered by the retailer. He applied, was accepted in April 2009, and was placed at Shoprite Tongaat. “The apprenticeship exposed me to all aspects of the business, and I was eager to learn as much as I could,” he…

Michael Jackson’s eldest son, Prince Jackson, is officially engaged, and his announcement is every bit the mix of romance, legacy, and modern-day love story we didn’t know we needed. This week, the 27-year-old quietly revealed his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Molly Schirmang, with a heartfelt Instagram post. Using an infinity symbol to mark their forever bond, Prince captioned the post: “8 years down, infinity to go. Molly and I have spent a lot of time together and made incredible memories. I’m excited for this next chapter in our lives as we continue to grow and make great memories. I love you, babs.” The carousel of photos he shared told their story more powerfully than words ever could. From hiking trips and kayaking adventures to college graduation ceremonies and intimate…

IN his address The Changing Nature of the Police: Approaching the 21st Century, William L Tapoya quotes the renowned American social critic and futurist Alvin Toffler, who, during a speech at the FBI Academy, warned: “Because change is taking place so rapidly, tremendous social pressures are occurring and will continue to ferment and explode unless opportunities are created to relieve those pressures.” Toffler suggested that, in such a turbulent environment, police, like society, face two choices: either cling to the status quo or become facilitators of social change. That choice remains urgent today, especially as we confront one of the most pressing, yet often overlooked, crises in law enforcement: police suicide. The nature of police work is inherently negative. Citizens do not call the police when things are going well…

Neil de Beer, the President of the United Independent Movement (UIM), passed away from cancer on Saturday at the age of 56. De Beer, born in October 1968, was widely recognised and hailed as a "powerful voice for change" and an "irrepressible political commentator". The Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed sadness at his passing, with Leader John Steenhuisen MP extending deepest condolences to the United Independent Movement and de Beer's loved ones. BizNews also shared its mourning for its "most irrepressible political commentator". De Beer had reportedly felt dreadfully ill and in excruciating pain towards the end, even continuing his work on the BizNews Sunday Show despite his declining health. De Beer leaves behind a legacy marked by contributions across South Africa's political and security landscapes. He served as the President…

IN a boost for India's economy, business process outsourcing (BPO), which involves companies handing over routine tasks like customer service or back-office operations to specialised providers, exports are growing faster than traditional IT services. According to a report by Kotak Institutional Equities, this trend is expected to continue into 2026, driven by global firms seeking cheaper ways to operate sustainably amid economic pressures. For South African and African readers unfamiliar with BPO, it is essentially the “behind-the-scenes” work that keeps businesses running smoothly, often from offshore locations. And India’s success here offers a blueprint: By training a large, English-speaking workforce, it turned BPO into a job engine. Africa, with its 1.2 million current BPO workers and potential for 1.5 million more jobs by 2030, could learn from this to create…

THE DA in Gauteng has confirmed that the party's federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, was interviewed for the Johannesburg mayoral candidate position. DA Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, told IOL that interviews were conducted, but no one has been announced yet as a mayoral candidate. “There’s no decision, interviews were conducted, and a whole lot of tests were done. We will wait for the processes to be completed,” he said. Msimanga added that they haven’t made a decision to finalise Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg. He could not disclose the other members who were interviewed, but said Zille was one of them. Speaking to IOL, Zille also admitted to being have been interviewed for mayoral candidate in joburg but clarified that “I am not a mayoral candidate.” “I am not the DA…

ASKED to rate the environmental friendliness of eight materials, only 24% of consumers see paper as the most environmentally friendly, whereas 56% consider wood to be among the most sustainable materials. Cue a raised eyebrow: paper is made from wood. Conducted across key regions by Two Sides and Toluna, the global 2025 Trend Tracker survey examined the opinions of 12 400 consumers. Although the South African-focused research was a small percentage of this, it still provided revealing insights into what consumers believe about printing and paper products. While environmental awareness continues to shape consumer behaviour, surveys by the paper industry show a persistent paradox of consumer perceptions when it comes to print, paper, paper-based packaging, forestry and wood. The disconnect is striking: wood is the raw material for paper, and…

SOUTH Africa's Namaqualand region is currently awash with nature's vibrant masterpiece as the annual wildflower bloom transforms the typically arid landscape into a breathtaking botanical wonderland. In the old copper mining towns of Nababeeb, Okiep, Springbok, Matjieskloof, and the Namaqua Nature Reserve, endless carpets of daisies, vygies, and irids are dazzling visitors and locals alike. This world-renowned natural phenomenon emerges each year after the winter rains, when the dormant terrain erupts in colour for a fleeting springtime spectacle during August and September. The rare, colourful flowers offer a visual feast unique to this region, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The ephemeral beauty of Namaqualand's wildflower season serves as a spectacular reminder of nature's resilience and splendour amid seemingly barren land, captivating all who witness this colourful…

Tensions between Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola surfaced to the public this week over the revival of the KwaZulu-Natal Police Killings Task Team’s investigation. Cachalia expressed displeasure in a statement issued on Friday regarding Masemola’s announcement that 121 dockets would soon be returned to the task team. The now-suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, disbanded the team, which was formed in 2019 to investigate and execute arrests in political killings as part of implementing the Moerane Commission’s recommendations. Cachalia indicated that Masemola revived the team’s investigation without consulting him, and that he had kept him in the dark about the status of the team. In the statement, Cachalia is quoted as expressing concern about Masemola announcing the continuation of the team’s investigations instead…

INTERPOL has warned that Africa is facing an escalation of cybercrime, illicit firearms, and financial crimes, urging police chiefs across the continent to step up intelligence-sharing and cooperation. Speaking at the 27th INTERPOL Africa Regional Conference in Cape Town, Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the three-day gathering had underscored both the urgency of the threats and the importance of regional collaboration. “Our recent study with African law enforcement agencies shows that the main growing threat for the region is cybercrime,” Urquiza told delegates. “The use of technology is becoming more and more present and more and more challenging for law enforcement agencies to investigate.” He stressed that the trafficking of illegal firearms and drugs remains a major destabilising factor across the continent. “This is a true transnational crime,” he stated.…

In 2024, several southern African countries held elections. In both South Africa and Botswana, the political landscape shifted dramatically, as the ANC and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) saw their decades-long dominance come to an end. In Namibia, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) also experienced a decline in popularity, retaining power with its smallest majority since independence in 1990. Meanwhile, in Mozambique, the contested election results that kept Frelimo in power led to widespread unrest across the country. The election calendar for southern Africa in 2025 is relatively small, with only the Seychelles, Malawi and Tanzania holding elections. The first of these countries to hold elections will be Malawi, on September 16. Despite gaining independence in 1966, Malawi, due to Hastings Banda’s almost three decades in power, has…

Down Under in Australia, Proteas off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen found himself under the microscope following a report by match officials who questioned the legality of his bowling action. The timing could not have been worse for the 30-year-old, as it came during his One Day International debut — a moment meant to be a personal milestone now tinged with scrutiny. Subrayen is no stranger to such suspicion, having faced similar concerns earlier in his domestic career. However, this latest incident would have cut deeper, given the platform and stakes. Nearly two weeks after the report was submitted, Subrayen has undergone a formal biomechanical assessment at an ICC-accredited testing centre in Brisbane. Proteas bowling coach Piet Botha, who accompanied him, shared some insight into the process and outcome. “I went with him…

Richards Bay FC head coach Ronnie Gabriel was a satisfied man on Friday evening after watching his side grind out a hard-earned goalless draw away to Siwelele FC at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium. Following a difficult start to their Betway Premiership campaign, the Natal Rich Boys head into the international break with renewed belief and four points from their last two matches – a much-needed return after losing their opening three fixtures. While the result may not have been flashy, it signalled a meaningful step forward. Up against a side known for their dominance at home, Richards Bay held firm and, at times, even threatened to snatch all three points. For Gabriel, the point on the road was both deserved and encouraging. “Taking into consideration that it was an…

As Women’s Month draws to a close in South Africa, the fiscal load that women shoulder in silence and often alone, have been revealed in the insights from the latest Debt Rescue survey. While people across the country brace themselves for job losses in the wake of the US Tariff hike, with households already stretched by record levels of debt, more and more South African women, of whom 40% are single mothers, bravely carry the baton of financial responsibility for themselves and their families. Debt Rescue’s recent survey revealed some disturbing results and painted a grim scenario where women from all walks of life are being forced to make difficult financial decisions just to keep going, with 54% of those polled attributing their failing physical health to financial stress,…

THE mushrooming of multiple political parties in South Africa was not against the principle of democracy. And, the situation is likely to continue for as long as the main parties fail to respond to the aspirations of the people, and people think the electoral process can serve as an instrument to change their lives. This is according to political analysts after the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported earlier this week that 472 political parties are currently registered ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The number dropped from 609 registered political parties in March when the IEC announced its intention to deregister 192 inactive political parties. University of North West political analyst Professor Andre Duvenage said on Saturday that 472 political parties were a huge number of parties.…

IT would seem as if Venezuelans, all of them that is, whether known as Chavistas or going by the lesser quixotic attribution of Juan Guaidoitas, are all tortured in equal measure by the prophetic words of the most iconic Latin American figure of the 19th century, General Porfirio Diaz of Mexico. In the cryptic words of the son of Oaxaca de Juarez, translated into his northern neighbour’s lingua franca, he bemoaned fatalistically, “poor Mexico, so far from God and so near to the United States”. That may have been so for Mexico, but so it is with all of the US’s Latin American neighbours. And Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State of Cuban immigrant parents, has trained his ire on Venezuela. Or specifically, on Nicolas Maduro, the democratically elected…

THE City of Johannesburg council will attempt to elect a new chief whip at its next meeting after three candidates failed to garner enough votes. ANC councillor Khazamula Chauke managed 96 votes, while the DA’s Nicole Rahn received 71, and ActionSA councillor Joyce Ntombela mustered 37 votes on Thursday. Following the vote count, Johannesburg council Speaker Margaret Arnolds committed to announcing the date for the next council sitting as early as today. During this sitting, councillors are expected to address the election of the chief whip, among other agenda items. The council was expected to elect a replacement for ANC councillor Sithembiso Zungu, who was appointed as Group Corporate and Shared Services MMC last month by Mayor Dada Morero. DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said, despite two rounds of…

Permits for catching small pelagic fish, such as anchovies and sardines (pilchards), which would have expired tomorrow, have been extended by two months. This comes after the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) announced that all permits due to expire on August 31, 2025, will be issued until October 30, 2025, due to pending court outcomes relating to the finalisation of appeals in the 2021/22 Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP) for the Small Pelagic sector. The finalisation of the process has been delayed due to review applications brought before the Western Cape High Court. The department confirmed that the extension of the permit validity was to ensure uninterrupted authorisation for all rightsholders and for stability in the sector. DFFE, in a statement, said most of these matters (review applications)…

IN the heart of Johannesburg, the recent Iconic Women’s Soirée brought together a force of women determined to reshape South Africa’s future — not with slogans, but with strategy. Spearheaded by the Nyatee Foundation, the event wasn’t just about celebration; it was a platform for constructing the future through dialogue, partnership, and practical pathways to women’s empowerment. And it could not have come at a more critical time. As we conclude our annual Women’s Month, marked by the legacy of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, we are reminded of the courageous women who took to the streets demanding an end to apartheid’s pass laws. While the march targeted pass laws, its true aim was far greater: to challenge the structural erasure of women, and to demand equal…

As crime continues to ravage the country, questions have been constantly asked on many fronts. At a macro level, the national government is blamed for lacking strategies to combat crime. This is an indictment on the government and its failure to protect its citizens. At a micro level, the blame lands squarely on the local police stations and their leadership for failing to put proactive measures in place to prevent crime from happening, instead of reacting once crime has already been committed. This situation is compounded by the allegations recently made by KwaZulu-Natal’s Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among other things, Mkhwanazi alleged that some in the top brass of the police force were perpetuating crime instead of combating it. This happens through corrupt practices such as bribery and related matters. Some…

There is increasing uncertainty as to whether the world still believes that shared challenges can be addressed through collective solutions. As South Africa’s stewardship of the G20 draws to a close later this year and the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, the unpredictability of the US’s attitude towards multilateralism is concerning. The US is due to take over the presidency of the G20 in December. On paper, the transition is automatic. In practice, it is not guaranteed. This uncertainty threatens to reduce the G20’s capacity to act as a stabilising force at a moment when the global economy faces debt distress, fragile supply chains and uneven progress on post-pandemic recovery. The current administration has made its hostility towards South Africa and the broader multilateral system clear. US President Donald Trump…

On the face of it, Glenrose Xaba has long graduated from track star to road-running royalty. South Africa’s national record holder in the 10km, half marathon, and marathon distances, Xaba has firmly established herself as one of the country’s most formidable distance runners. And yet, curiously, the Boxer Athletic Club athlete still clings to aspirations of competing on the track at the highest level. More curiously still, she won’t be representing South Africa at next month’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, despite having earned automatic qualification through her spectacular marathon debut at the 2023 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. That 2:22:22 finish wasn’t just a course victory — it was a seismic statement. Not only did it shatter Gerda Steyn’s national record, but it also qualified Xaba for the world stage…

Wayne Rooney believes Ruben Amorim’s remarks following Manchester United’s shock League Cup loss at Grimsby prove “something is broken” at the club. United came from 2-0 down to force a penalty shoot-out on Wednesday, but then lost 12-11 in a penalty shoot-out as summer transfer window signing Bryan Mbeumo hit the crossbar with what proved to be the decisive kick. A crestfallen Amorim, who had not watched the shoot-out but preferred to sit in the dugout, said afterwards: “I felt my players spoke really loud today (about) what they want.” United ended last season a lowly 15th in the Premier League table, their worst finish since being relegated from England's top-flight in 1974. But there had been hopes a full pre-season for Amorim allied to some £200 million (about R4.7…

For a batter as highly sought after as Donovan Ferreira, it seems baffling that he’s earned just six T20 International caps for South Africa – and those too, sporadically. Despite showcasing his talents in elite leagues across the world, including the IPL, SA20, and most recently The Hundred, Ferreira’s international career has lacked one crucial ingredient: consistency. Now 27, the explosive middle-order batter has finally earned a recall to the national T20I setup – this time under the guidance of newly appointed all-format coach Shukri Conrad. Ferreira missed out on the Tri-Series in Zimbabwe and the recent tour of Australia, but his selection for the upcoming series against England may signal a turning point. Speaking exclusively to Independent Media, Ferreira was candid about the frustrations he’s faced with his international…

THE flurry of geopolitical activities and the turbo-charged speed at which the reconfiguration of the international world order is taking place signal the demise of Europe as a sphere of significant influence in world politics. In the same vein, the rapid changes in international relations are characterised by the reawakening of the Global South as a pole of power of great significance in the 21st century. At the heart of what fuels the renaissance of the Global South is BRICS, a relatively subdued giant that seems to strategically elect to lie low instead of adopting an in-your-face approach that could reignite and unite the gradually disintegrating US-led G7 into a daringly adversarial posture at this point in time. Since the end of World War II in 1945, the US-led Western…

New damning evidence in the R150 million Digital Vibes unlawful National Health Insurance (NHI) and Covid-19 communications contracts case against the company, several others, and their directors, former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize and his family members, will be introduced. This follows the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) being given the green light by the Special Tribunal to have its third supplementary founding affidavit by one of its investigators and global professional services firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, confirmatory affidavit admitted in the main application, in which the SIU wants two contracts awarded to Digital Vibes reviewed and set aside for lack of compliance with the applicable constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions. According to the unit, the National Department of Health (NDoH) made payments to Digital Vibes totalling just over R150m, comprising over R25m…

SOUTH Africa’s G20 Presidency announced the launch of an “Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts” tasked with delivering the inaugural comprehensive report on global wealth and income inequality to G20 leaders. Commissioned directly by President Cyril Ramaphosa and chaired by Nobel laureate economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz, this initiative seeks to place the pervasive issue of inequality firmly on the agenda of the world’s largest economic forum. The launch comes amid mounting concerns over accelerating disparities in global wealth and income, which experts warn threaten economic stability, social cohesion, and political progress. "Recent analysis shows that the world’s richest 1% have increased their wealth by more than US$33.9 trillion in real terms since 2015 — enough to eliminate annual global poverty 22 times over," stated Vincent Mangwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, in…

COMMUNITIES on the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast are heading to the Constitutional Court next month to fight Shell's drilling for oil on parts of the province's coastline. Sustaining The Wild Coast, Mashona Dlamini, the Dwesa-Cwebe Communal Property Association, Ntsindiso Nongcavu, Sazise Pekayo, Cameron Thorpe and All Rise Attorneys for Justice and The Environment have hauled Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and his forestry, fisheries and environment counterpart Dr. Dion George to the apex court. The organisations and individuals are challenging part of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment overturning the Eastern Cape High Court ruling setting aside the decision taken by Mantashe’s predecessor, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, taken in April 2014, granting exploration rights initially to Impact Africa and later transferred to Shell for the exploration of oil and…

SOUTH Africa cannot afford to be a passenger in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). Globally, innovation is only accelerating as countries harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, and we cannot afford to stand still. We must take the wheel to successfully transform our economy and compete effectively on the world stage. And yet, too many local innovators remain locked out because of where they live, their lack of resources, and their inability to access the necessary networks. For South Africa to be a true engine of innovation for Africa, we must change that reality. This point was driven home at a recent Innovation and Technology Master Class hosted by The Innovation Hub. Exploring the critical role of data, algorithms, computing, and applications in powering AI technologies,…

South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary Solly Mapaila did not hold back in his scathing criticism of US President Donald Trump, calling him “a monster, terrible, the greatest killer in the world, and a gangster who calls himself president.” Mapaila made these remarks on Saturday during a picket organised by the SACP outside the United States Consulate in Johannesburg. The protest was aimed at urging the US government to lift its sanctions on Iran, end its illegal blockade of Cuba, halt military provocations against Venezuela, and stop arming Israel, whose weapons are used against Palestinians in Gaza. The SACP expressed solidarity with Venezuela, Syria, Palestine, Iran, Cuba, and other nations, insisting that they have the right to sovereignty, self-determination, and peace without external interference. “Their struggles are our struggles,…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s diplomacy is charting a delicate course between East and West as South Africa finds itself in Washington’s crosshairs. On August 20, 2025, Ramaphosa held phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, discussing international issues and reaffirming commitments to strengthen cooperation. With Putin, Ramaphosa pledged to deepen a comprehensive strategic partnership and expand joint work in multilateral forums. Lula struck similar notes, highlighting BRICS unity and the importance of resisting economic coercion. These exchanges underscored Pretoria’s pivot toward the Global South at a time when ties with the US are rapidly unravelling.In early August, US President Donald Trump imposed 30% tariffs on South African exports, abruptly ending duty-free access under Agoa. South Africa became the only sub-Saharan nation targeted with such…

Last week, Dr Naledi Pandor shook the ANC leadership and its rank and file when she said, unapologetically and fearlessly, that the ANC has lost its glory and that many South Africans view it with disdain, horror and shame – three heart-piercing operational words indeed. These are words that slice deep into the consciousness of a movement once revered, now stumbling under the weight of its own contradictions. She further called on the ANC to build a new “cadre of renewal”. Did she say anything new? Certainly not. South Africans have been saying this for years, in whispers, in protests, in ballot box rebellions and in the silence of those who no longer even bother to vote. The ANC’s reputation has been tarnished, not by its enemies, but by its…

“Fortune favours the bold.” That old saying is fast becoming reality for Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema, whose rise in the heart of defence has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. Arriving quietly from TS Galaxy, the 22-year-old wasn’t exactly a household name. But in the absence of senior defenders like captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Seema has grabbed his chance with both hands. Thrown into action due to injury setbacks, Seema has flourished, forming a reliable and confident central defensive pairing with young vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Together, they’ve brought balance to the Pirates backline — marrying composure with aggression, and notably impressing with their crisp, long-range distribution from the back. Seema’s growing confidence hit another level on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium, where he scored his maiden goal for…

Springbok Women’s outside centre Zintle Mpupha has called it “the biggest game of our lives” as South Africa gear up for a potentially historic clash against Italy in their second pool match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in York, England, this afternoon. Victory over the Italians would not only avenge a narrow defeat suffered last season, but also secure the Springbok Women a first-ever place in the knockout rounds of the global showpiece — a landmark achievement for the team. Confidence in the Bok camp is sky-high after their emphatic 66–6 demolition of Brazil in the tournament opener. Mpupha was a standout performer in that match, racking up 148 metres from 14 carries and completing 10 of her 11 tackles — a typically all-action display from South Africa’s all-time…

Miguel Cardoso’s outburst at the post-match press conference following Mamelodi Sundowns’ stalemate with Kaizer Chiefs this week has evoked mixed feelings. The Sundowns coach lost his cool for most of the presser after being asked whether that draw was enough to buy him time at the helm, and whether his team could be forgiven for underperforming against one of their biggest rivals. His reaction was understandable. Sundowns were always going to struggle to hit the ground running this season, having been fatigued after a hectic schedule in recent months, which included playing in the coveted CAF Champions League final and the Club World Cup. Some of his regulars have had stand-offs with the club over contractual issues – including last season’s PSL Footballer of the Season, Lucas Ribeiro, and one…

The Springboks know all too well that if they are to break the Eden Park curse, they’ll need to produce a level of rugby they haven’t come close to achieving this season. The last time South Africa beat the All Blacks at their Auckland fortress was 88 years ago. Since then, Eden Park has remained an impenetrable bastion, with the All Blacks unbeaten there since 1994. Assistant coach Jerry Flannery didn’t mince words this week. “I have not tracked everything since 1937,” the Irishman joked in reference to that historic Springbok win under Philip Nel. “But we must just play our game. We must play Springbok rugby – play our best game.” That best game has been elusive this year. Flannery, who joined Rassie Erasmus’ staff after coaching with him…

Manchester City are set for a quick reunion with Kevin De Bruyne as the English side were handed a home fixture with the Belgian’s new club Napoli to kick off their Champions League campaign. City will welcome Italian champions Napoli to the Etihad Stadium on September 18, as the first matchday of this season’s league phase stretches over three days. De Bruyne joined Napoli in June after a highly successful decade in Manchester, which included winning the Champions League with Pep Guardiola's side in 2023. The draw for the 36-team league phase of the competition took place on Thursday, but European football's governing body UEFA only released the full fixture list on Saturday. Club World Cup winners Chelsea start on September 17, with a meeting with Bayern Munich at the…